Lemongrass Essential Oil

While I hoped to find several lemongrass plants so I could later do a distillation, I was at least lucky to find one ratty, abandoned lemongrass plant that I cared for all summer for this oil listing. Lemongrass grows easily in small areas and even can thrive as a potted plant, although it is a true grass. When I still lived in Canada, I grew Lemongrass in pots which my cat would eat to the soil, never for a moment hiding his crime or his shame. For some reason he loved it as much as he loved fresh shrimp. Sadly, he went on to kitty heaven and I admit to be being a little disappointed in our new guy who has little interest in this fragrant grass that has quickly taken over our herbal garden. I thought a lemongrass eating kitty was charming and befitting of a herbalist’s pet.

Lemongrass is an effective nervine, helping to calm the nervous system particularly when diffused in a room. It is useful for treating oily skin and hair. Adding a few drops to a natural shampoo helps with oily hair. Years ago, when I was elbow deep in bar soap making, I often make a Rosemary and Lemongrass soap which was hands down a customer favorite, particularly with my Thai customers. It was very gentle on the skin and smelled incredible in the shower. Jeanne Rose recommends cleaning cutting boards with Lemongrass as well as diffusing to repel flies. It can be used to treat fleas on dogs and while all my old aromatherapy vet books indicate its use on cats, we now know that cats cannot tolerate oils on their skin. A hydrosol would be a better choice for our little purry and furry little pals. It’s interesting to note that Dr. Jean Valnet recommended adding a few drops on sugar cubes to take as an internal treatment for a sluggish digestion, colitis and enteritis.

I am very happy certified organic lemongrass is available now for us to have in the shop. The oil smells as sweet as the fresh cut plant, lemony and is like a happiness oil, like sunshine in a bottle. Diffusing it brings feelings of relaxation and inner peace, something we can all use.

Suggested uses: Blends with Rosemary, Lavender, Lime, Pine, Eucalyptus and Geranium. Add a few drops to natural shampoo to help with oily hair. Diffuse alone or with Pine for relaxation or add a few drops to a cutting board to sanitize.